I enjoy learning about two different disciplines and having knowledge in two fields of study

I enjoy how well my subjects, History and Politics, complement each other, as they are undoubtedly linked. I also enjoy learning about two different disciplines and having knowledge in two fields of study.

Kate McGreary

BA History and Politics

Why did you choose to study at Sheffield?

Sheffield’s open day was the first one I went to, and I immediately felt much more at ease than I did at other universities. The student ambassadors and lecturers were extremely friendly and approachable, and displayed their passion for both their subject and Sheffield as a whole.

The course content also appealed to me, offering a wide array of choice and diversity in the topics available, which seemed to stand out compared to other universities.

Has your experience so far been what you expected?

In general I have enjoyed university a lot more than I expected to. I was incredibly apprehensive when first coming to university, both about meeting new people and worrying about the difficulty of the work. However, I almost instantly felt at home in Sheffield, making great friends and being able to receive support whenever I needed it.

University has really improved my confidence in social skills, as well as my academic skills in my discipline.

What do you particularly enjoy about your degree?

What I enjoy most about my degree is the combined nature of my Joint Honours, History and Politics. I find they balance each other really well, and I feel lucky to be able to learn about both disciplines in depth.

I also enjoy the variation within learning, for example through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work and readings. Each is equally beneficial and interesting in their own way, and I feel especially there is a good balance between independent and supported working.

What are you studying this year? Are there any modules that you've particularly enjoyed?

So far this year, I am studying two history modules (Historians and History and From Shell Shock to Prozac, Mental Health and Britain 1900-present) and one politics module on data analysis.

So far this semester, I am particularly enjoying my history module on mental health is Britain, as it is a topic I have very little knowledge in, and I find every lecture and reading incredibly eye opening and interesting. In first year I especially enjoyed my module on Britain 1800-present, due to the variation and wide scope of the topics we studied.

What do you like about being a dual student?

I enjoy how well my subjects, History and Politics, complement each other, as they are undoubtedly linked. I also enjoy learning about two different disciplines and having knowledge in two fields of study.

What do you like about the University and/or living in Sheffield?

The University is an inclusive, open and altogether great place to be. It offers an incredibly wide range of extra-curricular activities, which appeal to an array of different interests. The University is also great at offering help to students, whether this be through academic or personal support.

Sheffield as a student city is also great. The nights out are really fun, and there are also so many activities available from shopping at nearby Meadowhall to walking in the Peaks.

Is there anything else you want to add?

Altogether I definitely made the right decision is choosing Sheffield as my university. I have really enjoyed my course so far, and the experience as a whole has been brilliant. I would highly recommend this faculty and the University to any potential student.

Would you recommend studying at Sheffield to a friend?

Yes, definitely. It has been a great choice for me, and I’m sure any other student who considers Sheffield as a potential university.